Startups tips

There have been dozens of travel tech acquisitions so far this year: That includes at least 11 deals over the past three months, which followed at least 15 earlier this year.

Hotel Engine recently raised one of the year’s largest rounds of capital for a travel startup: $140 million, which valued the firm at $2.1 billion. 

As Klook celebrates its 10 anniversary this month, the online travel agency for experiences is undergoing a significant strategic evolution.

Mindtrip, a trip planning and booking website powered by generative AI, said Tuesday that it has raised $12 million, its second round of startup funding.

Thayer Ventures and Derive Ventures have tied up to create Thayer Investment Partners, an investment platform aimed at driving innovation in travel technology, Skift learned on Monday.

This month, an 11-year-old startup called Flyr raised the largest single round of venture capital for a travel tech company in years: A total package of nearly $300 million. 

Steve Singh and a group of industry veterans are rolling out a new AI trip planner and booking agent for business travel. 

Flyr, an airline retail platform, said Thursday that it has raised a $225 million series D round, one of the largest single raises ever for a travel tech company and the largest so far this year.

Lighthouse, a startup best known for helping hotels and short-term rentals analyze their market demand, rates, and positioning, has bought HQ Revenue, the companies said on Thursday.

UK-based startup Global Airlines, which planned to begin flying Airbus A380s between New York and London as early as summer 2024, is already delaying its launch to 2025.

The travel tech industry is ripe for consolidation. 

Guesty could go public as soon as next year. 

Tech is vital to the future of successful vacation-rental businesses, but it won’t solve everything. 

Guests at a Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills can now access in-room concierge via hologram.

Guesty, the property management platform for short-term rental businesses, said Wednesday that it has raised $130 million in series F funding. 

Southwest Airlines has acquired a startup that makes renewable ethanol, which can be used to make jet fuel. 

Busbud, an online marketplace for intercity bus and train tickets, is expanding its presence in Brazil through the acquisition of Buson. 

Seven travel startups from a variety of sectors have raised over $150 million in the past two weeks.

TravelAI has purchased and relaunched Casai.com, the domain of the short-term rental operator startup that closed last July after raising more than $48 million. 

Culture Trip, the travel media company that raised roughly $155 million, sold its website and group tour business to the U.S. News & World Report.

Finnish short-term rental brand Bob W, raised €40 million ($45 million) in a series B funding round to expand in Europe and enhance its technology.